Chicken Casserole

This chicken casserole is a blend of cooked chicken, rice and broccoli, all tossed together in a creamy cheese sauce then baked to perfection. A hearty meal that's family friendly and easy to make!

Course Main

Cuisine American

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 20

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 462kcal

Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup onion diced
2 1/2 cups milk I use whole milk
3 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided use
2 ounces cream cheese cut into small cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups broccoli florets lightly steamed or blanched
3 cups cooked rice
3 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
1 cup buttery crackers such as Ritz, coarsely crushed
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 9"x13" pan with cooking spray.
Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the flour to the pot and stir to coat the onions; cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk the milk into the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until sauce has thickened (coats the back of a spoon).
Add the cream cheese, 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the salt, pepper, smoked paprika and garlic to the sauce. Stir until smooth.
Place the broccoli, rice and chicken in a large bowl and stir to combine. Pour the sauce over the top and toss to coat evenly.
Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top, along with the crushed crackers.
Bake for 20 minutes or until casserole is bubbly, topping is browned and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley and serve

Notes

I recommend using freshly grated cheese for this recipe. The pre-shredded cheese that comes in a bag is often coated with anti-caking agents and does not melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese.
I use long grain white rice when I make this dish, but short grain white rice, brown rice, or wild rice will also work.
You can pre-cook your broccoli by steaming it in the microwave, or blanching it in a pot of boiling water.

Nutrition